Page 122 – Property118
Red house with rising rent graph and "For Rent" sign representing rental market growth

Rent boom predicted for the ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’

14th February 2025

The government’s plan to establish a ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’ along the Oxford-Cambridge Arc could cause local rent prices to rocket by as much as 23% within the next year, one firm predicts. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, recently outlined proposals to revitalise the region, coupled with ongoing development of the proposed East West […]

Man holding eviction notice marked invalid with question mark symbol

Incorrect Solicitors Advice on How to Rent Guide and Prescribed Information?

14th February 2025

Hello, I’m seeking advice from my fellow landlords, PRS and s21 notice experts on a disagreement with my solicitors regarding the validity of my s21 notice to my tenants. Barely a week to the expiry of the s21 notice (from all indications tenants do not plan to move out by the date of expiry, so […]

Damaged bathroom with debris and missing fixtures under renovation dispute

Tenant removing my bathroom to sell?

14th February 2025

Hello, I am going through a S21 and the tenant claims they will not leave until evicted. I have just been shown several social media posts where they are living elsewhere. Furthermore, they have listed the bathroom in my house for sale. In the post, they confirm they are no longer living there and have […]

EPC energy efficiency rating with UK government consultation icons on sustainability and renewable energy

EPC system will be overhauled to include new metrics to measure energy efficiency

14th February 2025

The way EPCs are measured could change to multiple different metrics rather than the current single metric, which the government claims is “insufficient”. Under the current rules, EPCs are measured based on the amount of energy a property uses per square metre (e.g., for heating, lighting, etc.) and how much energy it loses (e.g., through […]

Worried tenant behind window facing eviction notice taped to door

Incentivise the tenant to vacate before the Section 21 expires?

14th February 2025

The tenant has rented the two-bedroom mid terrace house since 2009 and is now five months in rent arrears. A Section 21 has been served with all the correct documents checked by a legal firm. The Section 21 expires on 25th March. It took numerous visits, emails and telephone calls to arrange for the expired […]

Landlord holding model house with energy efficiency rating and GOV.UK renewal reminder

Landlords could be forced to renew EPCs more often

13th February 2025

Proposals in a government consultation could force landlords to update their EPCs every time a tenant renews their tenancy agreement, even if it’s with the same tenant. Under current rules, EPCs are valid for ten years, and when they expire, a new one isn’t needed unless you’re entering a new tenancy with new tenants or […]

Home energy efficiency rating chart showing EPC scale from A to G

Landlords face a £21.6 billion bill for EPC upgrades

13th February 2025

Landlords in England and Wales’ private rented sector are looking at forking out £21.6 billion to meet new energy performance certificate (EPC) standards, research reveals. The government has announced a consultation on how EPCs are calculated and another one which would see all new tenancies needing an EPC certificate from 2028. All tenancies, under the […]

Mortgage rates reduced with lenders cutting buy to let deals

Three more BTL mortgage lenders lower rates

13th February 2025

Three more buy to let lenders have joined the race this week to lower BTL mortgage rates after the Bank of England lowered its Base Rate. Paragon and Fleet have already cut their BTL mortgage rates and now Accord Mortgages has unveiled its second cut within a week. It is lowering rates on its BTL […]

Rising house prices with stamp duty changes ahead

House prices rising slowly but stamp duty cuts loom

13th February 2025

Despite a slow start to the year, property prices are expected to surge, with first-time buyers driving the market when stamp duty changes come into effect in April. According to e.surv house price index, house prices grew by just 0.1% in January 2025. However, despite the slow growth, this marks the first time in four […]

Rental property sign outside a house highlighting UK housing supply shortage and rent rise concerns

PRS supply shortage fuels rent rise predictions – as house prices grow

13th February 2025

Demand for rental property is ‘flat’ and the number of landlords offering properties is still in decline, RICS reveals. Its latest residential survey says that the shrinking supply, coupled with flat demand is exacerbating the imbalance between available homes and prospective tenants. The report states: “Unsurprisingly, a net balance of 23% believe that rents will […]

Modern apartment block highlighting rising service charges for leaseholders

Service charges soar to hit record high

13th February 2025

Flat owners in England and Wales face escalating costs as annual service charges surge to £2,300 – leaping by 11% last year, Hamptons reveals. This increase dwarfs the 2.5% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), placing financial strain on leaseholders, the agency says. For the first time, average charges exceed £2,000 in every English […]

Gardener pruning fruit tree branch with secateurs and gloves

Licence to Occupy for Landscaper Handyman?

13th February 2025

I have a property that has become vacant. I also have a guy/acquaintance who is a Landscaper and Handyman I’ve known on and off for 30 years who is down on his luck having split from his wife. He’s always been honest and reliable and has done good work for me in the past, albeit […]

Angela Rayner announces Labour’s plan to cut benefit payments to criminal landlords

Criminal landlords will lose benefit payments under Labour plan

13th February 2025

England’s criminal landlords will face restrictions on benefit payments they receive for running substandard properties in supported housing, the government has announced. The plan was revealed alongside news of a £300m allocation for new affordable housing. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government funding will deliver 2,800 additional affordable homes within the next year. […]

UK government EPC rating changes planned for 2026 with new efficiency rules

Major changes to EPCs coming in 2026

12th February 2025

The way energy performance certificates (EPCs) are measured could be changed as soon as 2026. The government has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the way EPCs are measured, which they claim will deliver a “more efficient and effective EPC system that works for landlords.” The consultation is currently open and will run until […]

NRLA chief executive addressing MPs on enforcement of the Renters’ Rights Bill

Renters’ Rights Bill is doomed to fail without enforcement – NRLA

12th February 2025

As Peers prepare to discuss the Renters’ Rights Bill, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) says that Labour’s reforms are doomed to fail without proper enforcement. The landlords’ organisation is highlighting the huge burden the Bill places on local authorities since they will need to deal with substantial changes. Those changes include the Decent Homes […]

Sadiq Khan with rent control graphic highlighting London housing crisis

Green Party claims rent controls will solve London’s housing crisis in London

12th February 2025

A Green Party politician claims the Mayor of London, “has no choice” but to introduce rent controls to solve the housing crisis. In a report, Zoë Garbett, London Assembly Member for the Green Party, claims London Mayor Sadiq Khan must show leadership and introduce rent controls to stop renters from being evicted from their homes. […]

Modern apartment block with orange balconies highlighting leasehold and EPC energy rating issues

Government’s EPC drive overlooks high-rise and leasehold homes – TPI

12th February 2025

The government’s strategy for boosting the energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings in the private rented sector has been met with cautious optimism by one organisation. The Property Institute (TPI) says that the proposals, which were announced last week, do not consider the hurdles faced by flat dwellers, particularly leaseholders, where upgrades are often restricted. TPI’s […]

House keychain with rental application form and DPS logo highlighting falling new tenancies.

Tenants rent for longer as new tenancies plummet

12th February 2025

The number of new rental agreements in England and Wales have reached their lowest point in eight years, according to a report by The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS).  Its Private Sector Rental Review, which analyses official data from government-approved deposit schemes, reveals a big drop in new tenancies. Between October 2016 and September 2017, […]

Couple choosing paint colors for decorating their rental home.

Renters’ Rights Bill sees landlords embrace tenant customisation

12th February 2025

Most landlords are now open to tenants personalising their rented homes, signalling a shift in the rental landscape, research reveals. The study by OSB Group, which is home to Kent Reliance and Precise, shows that 73% of landlords welcome tenant customisation as the Renters’ Rights Bill is poised to reshape the private rented sector. The […]

Property expert shares 7 key changes landlords must know in 2025.

7 Key Changes for Landlords in 2025 You Must Know

12th February 2025

Attention landlords and property investors! The property market is evolving, and staying informed is essential. In this video, Ranjan Bhattacharya breaks down the 7 key changes for landlords in 2025 you must know to safeguard your property investment strategy. From the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions to stricter EPC requirements and the upcoming stamp […]

Hand cutting percentage sign symbolizing mortgage rate reductions by Paragon and Fleet Mortgages

Paragon and Fleet cut BTL mortgage rates

12th February 2025

Paragon Bank and Fleet Mortgages have both announced reductions to their buy to let (BTL) mortgage rates. Paragon has trimmed 30 basis points (bps) from its entire two-year fixed-rate range, bringing rates down to a low of 3.34% – the lowest seen since May 2022. This applies to purchase and remortgage products up to 75% […]